
Senior Day at Loggerhead

ARTHUR R. MARSHALL LOXAHATCHEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
ARTHUR R. MARSHALL LOXAHATCHEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Save the Date for the 18th Annual Everglades Day
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) is proud to announce
Mother Nature’s Magic Show, its 18th annual Everglades Day on February 11, 2017.
Everglades Day is a free, family event with speakers, tours, games, food and animals
that celebrates the Everglades ecosystem. Please save the date and join us to
celebrate the ecosystem that gives life and magic to South Florida.
The Refuge is open from 5 AM to 10 PM, seven days a week. It is located off U.S.
441/SR 7, two miles south of SR 804 (Boynton Beach Blvd.) and three miles north of
SR 806 (Delray Beach’s Atlantic Avenue). Visitor Center hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m., seven days a week. An entrance fee of $5.00 per vehicle or $1.00 per pedestrian
is charged. A variety of annual passes, including a $12.00 refuge specific annual pass,
are available.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve,
protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of
the American people. For more information on our work and the people who make it
happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/usfwssoutheast. Follow our tweets at
www.twitter.com/usfwssoutheast. Watch our YouTube Channel at
http://www.youtube.com/usfws. Download photos from our Flickr page at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwssoutheast.
Tickets on Sale Now for the Wellington Father Daughter Dance
Tickets on Sale Now for the Wellington Father Daughter Dance
Fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and all blends of families are invited to take part in Wellington’s annual Father Daughter Dance on Saturday, February 4, 2017. The theme for the evening is “Sweet Dreams in Candy Land.” It will be a night of delight designed for daughters ages 5 to 14, and includes dancing, a delicious dinner, games, and pictures. Each couple will receive a keepsake to cherish the memories of this fun evening.
The Father Daughter Dance will take place at the Village Park Gymnasium, located at 11700 Pierson Road, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Tickets are on sale through Thursday, February 2nd (or until sold out) and can be purchased at the Village Park Gymnasium (11700 Pierson Road), or the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard). The cost is $50 per resident couple, and $62.50 per non-resident couple. Additional tickets may also be purchased for $20 per resident, and $25 per non-resident.
This event is expected to sell out, so make sure to purchase your tickets early!
For more information, call (561) 753-2484. This event is partially sponsored by Simon Orthodontics; additional sponsorship opportunities are still available.
To learn about other events offered by the Wellington Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Events.
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/enews.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.
Register for the Wellington Kids Triathlon returning in April 2017
Register for the Wellington Kids Triathlon returning in April 2017
Calling all young athletes. Get ready to swim, bike and run in Wellington’s Annual Kids Triathlon! This exciting and challenging endurance event takes place on Sunday, April 2, 2017, beginning at the Wellington Aquatics Complex (12072 Forest Hill Boulevard).
The Wellington Kids Triathlon is limited to children born between 2003 and 2013, and is designed as an introduction to a multi-sport endurance event within a safe and positive environment. The top male and female finishers in each age group will receive a trophy, and all participants will receive a medal. Registration is $35 and includes a t-shirt for each competitor.
Age Division
Year Born
Swim Distance
Bike Distance
Run Distance
Super Seniors
2003-2004
200 yards
4.0 miles
1.25 miles
Seniors
2005-2006
150 yards
4.0 miles
1.25 miles
Super Juniors
2007-2008
100 yards
2.0 miles
0.7 miles
Juniors
2009-2010
50 yards
2.0 miles
0.7 miles
Trikes
2011-2013
25 yards
0.4 miles
0.25 miles
The DEADLINE to register is by NOON Monday, March 27th, 2017. Participants may register online at www.active.com. No race day registrations will be accepted. All competitors must be current USA Triathlon (USAT) members. Registration is limited to the first 250 entries, so register early to secure your spot!
We are accepting sponsors for this “Great Hometown” event at this time. For additional details visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/KidsTri.
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/KidsTri.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch WellingtonTV for the latest happenings.
Mounts Botanical Garden
Mounts Botanical Garden Launches 10th Annual Mounts Photography Contest & 2nd Annual Youth Nature Photography Contest
Entries Accepted January 15 through February 15, 2017
(West Palm Beach, FL – December 19, 2016) Rochelle Wolberg, Interim Operations Manager/Director of Programs at Mounts Botanical Garden, Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest public garden, today announced the launch in January 2017 of two separate but simultaneous photography contests:
· Mounts 10th Annual Photography Contest
· Mounts 2nd Annual Youth Nature Photography Contest
In both contests, the photographs must have been taken at Mounts Botanical Garden, located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. The Guest Judge will be the respected nature photographer Alan Chin Lee, and contest entries will be accepted at Mounts between January 15 and February 15, 2017.
For the 10th Annual Photography Contest, the Garden is accepting photos in four different categories: Plant Life/Nature Close-Ups, Animal Life, People in the Garden, and Scenic/Landscapes. The fee to enter is $5 per photograph, and the contest winner will be announced on March 1, 2017.
For the 2nd Annual Youth Nature Photography Contest, entries will be accepted from amateur photographers between the ages of 5 and 18 years old, who are encouraged to use a camera, smartphone, or tablet to capture nature and the magical spaces of Mounts Botanical Garden. This contest is FREE to enter, and the winner will be announced on March 1, 2017.
Official rules and entry forms for both contests are available on the Garden’s website (www.Mounts.org). Participants can enter a maximum of three photographs each.
The world-renowned Palm Beach Photographic Center will display the winning images from both contests and will host a special reception honoring the photographers. The Photo Centre is located at the City Center municipal complex at 415 Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach.
About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:
With a mission to inspire the public, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden, offering gorgeous displays of tropical and sub-tropical plants, plus informative classes, workshops, and other fun-filled events. The Garden contains more than 2,000 species of plants, including Florida native plants, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, bromeliads and more. Mounts Botanical Garden is a facility of the Palm Beach County Extension Service, which is in partnership with the University of Florida and the Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden.
Located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach, Mounts Botanical Garden is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 am to 4 pm, and Sunday from noon to 4 pm. The suggested donation for entry to the Garden is $5 per person. For more information, please call 561.233.1757 or visit www.mounts.org.
Brooke USA Junior Ambassador Q&A
Dear Editor,
The below Q&A piece between junior riders Tatianna Verswyvel of Wellington, Florida and Ransome Rombauer of St. Helena, California would be an excellent fit for Around Wellington. The two teenagers are both Junior Ambassadors for Brooke USA.
Brooke USA is a 501(c)(3) charity, which exists solely to support the overseas work of Brooke, the world’s largest international equine welfare charity. For more than 80 years, Brooke has been alleviating the suffering of horses, donkeys and mules who work in some of the poorest communities on earth. This year Brooke has reached its goal of reaching two million working equines around the world.
The involvement of these two dedicated upper level young riders in such a worthwhile organization is something that would surely be of interest to your readers. Please let me know if there is any additional information that I can provide you with.
Sarah Harper
sh@phelpsmediagroup.com
Junior Riders and Brooke USA Junior Ambassadors Ransome Rombauer and Tatianna Verswyvel found some time in their busy schedules at the 2016 CP National Horse Show to sit down and talk about their passion for the work of Brooke USA. Tatiana, an aspiring journalist interviewed Ransome about how she got involved with the organization and what she has done for them as well as her plans for the future.
How did you first become involved with Brooke USA? Why?
I first saw their pamphlet at the National Horse Show, and since I’m really involved with equine welfare and horse rescue, I found it was different from other programs. Brooke doesn’t just take the horses and donkeys away for treatment, they actually educate people so that the effects are long-term.
What about the Brooke made you feel a connection to our organization over the others?
I love that it goes further into helping the communities of countries that really need it. I love how they are helping people take better care of their animals, rather than just providing them with supplies or taking the animals altogether. Brooke understands that the equines aren’t these families’ pets; they’re their incomes and main sources of survival. I haven’t heard anything else to be like what Brooke does.
How did your personal love for rescuing equines contribute to your junior ambassadorship?
I started rescuing miniature horses off of the internet about four years ago, and I grew up riding at a horse rescue farm, so I already had that background and sympathy as well as the eagerness to get more involved. Now I have 10 miniature rescue horses, and two regular rescue horses, half of which came from kill pens in Texas. It’s definitely my life calling, and I wish there was a more sustainable way so I could keep rescuing more. Either way, I love it and I’m glad I became involved with Brooke USA in order to take my passion to the global level.
How have you contributed to Brooke USA during your role as ambassador?
Since I became involved recently, I attended the Charlotte Dujardin dressage clinic, I’ve volunteered at booths for them, and I’ve donated as well as sold some special edition Rebecca Ray totes in benefit of Brooke USA. My mom and I designed and donated them. I’m also donating all my prize money to Brooke USA, and 100 percent of that is directly donated to projects around the world. I didn’t realize how much of a difference that would make, but it’s come out to be a substantial addition going to a great cause, even though I’m not particularly competitive in the jumpers.
What are your hopes for inspiring the younger generations to become involved with our organization?
I work hard to spread the word by talking to my friends who haven’t heard of it, and by wearing my Brooke USA jackets in order to promote it even more. I think a lot of kids don’t realize how big of an issue the state of working equines is, and it is one that Brooke USA works extremely hard to tackle. How truly privileged our own animals are in comparison to the ones of those who depend on them. I think our horses here enjoy better living conditions than humans do in many parts of the world. We’re all here because we love horses, why not help other people love theirs?
What would you say is the most gratifying part about being a part of the Brooke USA?
Not only am I excited to be a part of an organization doing so much for both animal and human welfare, but their mission is also so close to my heart, that all I can say is I wish I’d known about Brooke USA sooner.
How do you plan to continue your ambassadorship through college?
I plan to continue competing on the A-circuit, as well as ride on a college team. I would love to get a whole equestrian college team involved with Brooke USA to further educate the next generations on what we are trying to accomplish. Even though college riding has no prize money, fundraisers and booths are still great options to keep making a difference and contributing to Brooke USA’s incredible movement. As for college, I plan on going to Southern Methodist University (SMU) and majoring in advertising with a possible minor in photography.
What goals do you strive for as a rider?
One of my main goals was to win the USET gold medal, and I achieved that this year. Long-term, I would love to become consistent at the grand prix level and hopefully compete in a Nation’s Cup someday.
How has charity work and helping the greater good contributed to your growth as a rider and a well-rounded individual?
I think what is cool about my ambassadorship is that I don’t feel like I’m doing work when I’m fundraising or donating my winnings: it feels natural in that I’m doing what I already love, but at the same time making an immense difference towards something I feel very passionate about.
Tatianna Verswyvel is a 17-year old show jumper from Mexico. She’s represented her country all over Central and South America, and has competed in the junior divisions throughout the United States. Tatianna became involved with Brooke USA last winter season as she fell in love with its mission and philosophy. She is thrilled to be working with Brooke USA and combining her passion for the organization with her future goals of becoming a journalist.
Ransome Rombauer is an accomplished A-Circuit competitor. A senior at Sonoma Academy who will matriculate to Southern Methodist University next year she has had a stellar junior career. After winning the 2015 USEF Talent Search – West Final and the Reserve Championship at the USHJA EAP National Finals she carried her success into the 2016 season. In 2016 she won her 20th USEF Talent Search Medal class earning her the USEF Gold Medal. Less than 100 riders have achieved this career high accomplishment since the 1960’s. She has recently begun competing with success at the Grand Prix level, most recently with a 6th place finish at the $40,000 HMI Equestrian Classic Grand Prix. She is passionate about animal welfare and currently has 10 recuse miniature horses and 2 rescue horses.
Kickstart Your Writing Ability

December, 2016 – AW in Pictures
Just a few featured photos Around Wellington. Visit “Photo Galleries” for more pictures.






St. Jude Supporters Shop for a Cause

Cultural Council of Palm Beach County
Cultural Council of Palm Beach County
To Host a Special Spotlight Luncheon
Evolution of an Artist
Featuring Bernie Taupin
At the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion on January 10
(Lake Worth, FL – December 7, 2016) Rena Blades, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, today announced that tickets are now available for purchase to the Council’s first Spotlight Luncheon in 2017:
Evolution of an Artist
Featuring Bernie Taupin
Renowned internationally for his 50-year song-writing partnership with Sir Elton John and so many other recognized music accomplishments, as a life-long creative, Bernie Taupin is also an author, writer, poet, painter, sculptor, performer and composer.
At the Cultural Council’s Spotlight Luncheon on Tuesday, January 10, at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion in West Palm Beach, the focus will on his career and evolution as a lifelong, multidisciplinary “Artist”.
Describing his artistic style as “primal, intimate and organic,” Bernie Taupin says, “As artists, we all struggle to find an original voice and escape the hindrance of labels. I’m gratified that serious art collectors and dealers are accepting and showing my work.”
The Event Chair for this Spotlight Luncheon is Suzanne L. Niedland, managing director of BusEyeFilms, LLC, a member of the Cultural Council’s board of directors, on the board of the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission, and is a current appointee, by Governor Rick Scott, to the Florida Film and Entertainment Advisory Council (FFEAC).
Ms. Niedland also is serving as Luncheon Sponsor along with JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Mr. & Mrs. Frank Walsh.
Patron Sponsors include Bruce A. Beal and Francis V. Cunningham, The Breakers Palm Beach, Mr. & Mrs. James S. Karp, Mr. & Mrs. Berton E. Korman, Herme de Wyman Miro (president of The International Society of Palm Beach), PNC Bank and Mr. & Mrs. Frederic A. Sharf.
Dina Gustin Baker and Mr. & Mrs. William D. Parmelee are serving as Supporter Sponsors of the Spotlight Luncheon with Bernie Taupin, while Donor Sponsors include Mr. & Mrs. Richard R. Katz Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Bob Stiller, Mr. & Mrs. Dom A. Telesco and Palm Beach Illustrated.
Special thanks to Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary, An International Fair Presented by Art Miami and the Perry J. Cohen Foundation.
Note: Mr. Taupin’s current work will be on display at Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary, an international fair presented by Art Miami in West Palm Beach from January 12 to 16. A special selection of his pieces will be available for sale at the Spotlight Luncheon, with a portion of proceeds to benefit the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County and the Perry J. Cohen Foundation.
How to Get Tickets:
Individual tickets for the Spotlight Luncheon with Bernie Taupin are $150, while VIP tickets are $500 each and include the 10:30 a.m. pre-reception in the lobby of the Cohen Pavilion, where a first view of Taupin’s artwork will be exhibited and available for acquisition with proceeds benefitting the Cultural Council and the Perry J. Cohen Foundation. Attendees at the VIP Reception will also enjoy a meet-and-greet with the celebrated artist. Tickets and table sponsorships are available by contacting the Cultural Council’s Kodie Ann Walcott at (561) 472-3342 or by email at kwalcott@palmbeachculture.com. The deadline for ticket purchase is January 3, 2017.
About the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County:
The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County is the official support agency for arts and culture in The Palm Beaches, serving non-profit organizations, artists and arts districts. The Cultural Council administers $4.5 million in grants annually, supports arts and cultural education, provides capacity-building training, and advocates for arts funding and arts-friendly policies. The Council promotes Palm Beach County’s cultural experiences to visitors and residents through multi-platform marketing and public information programs, including its one-of-a-kind Cultural Concierge service.
The Cultural Council presents exhibitions featuring Palm Beach County artists and provides additional programming at its headquarters in the historic Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. Building, an iconic Streamline Moderne former movie theater in Downtown Lake Worth. Also at the Cultural Council headquarters are the Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach Store featuring products by Palm Beach County artists and the Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Visitor Information Center, a VISIT FLORIDA designated Florida Certified Tourism Information Center.
The Cultural Council galleries, visitor information center and store are open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For a complete calendar of cultural activities in The Palm Beaches, connect with the Council at www.palmbeachculture.com or (561) 471-2901. To plan a personalized cultural itinerary, connect with the Cultural Concierge at www.palmbeachculture.com/concierge.
About The Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary:
The Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary Art Fair, presented by Art Miami and sponsored by the City of West Palm Beach will make its debut in West Palm Beach City’s Tent Site (825 S Dixie Hwy & Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach) on Thursday, January 12, 2017 with an exclusive VIP Preview that will benefit the Palm Beach Zoo and run through January 15th. Collectors, and art connoisseurs and art world luminaries alike will have the opportunity to acquire investment quality Blue Chip contemporary, Post-War works from 60 top international galleries over the four days. For more information, please visit www.artpbfair.com
About The Perry J. Cohen Foundation:
PJCF is a registered non for profit 501(c)3 foundation named after Perry Cohen, one of the 14 year old boys who went missing at sea in July 2015. In honor of his legacy, his mother Pamela Cohen and stepfather Nick Korniloff created the PJCF. One of the four pillars of the foundation is to support “The Arts,” one of Perry’s greatest passions and loves. Accordingly, PJCF works to raise funds that will support creative programing of the ARTS (the process of human creativity) for young talented individuals through its relationships with both nonprofit, for profit, private and public cultural, educational and art institutions. For more information, please visit www.pjcf.org.